Neil Schon & Chateau St. Jean Signature Red

Neil Schon  (born February 27, 1954) was the lead guitarist for a group whom I consider one of the greatest to ever step on a stage, namely Journey. He is Journey's only constant member, having participated in every album and tour to date. Before joining Journey, he was a member of Santana. Interestingly, shortly after Santana asked him to join his band, Eric Clapton invited him to join Derek and the Dominos. He declined because he’d committed to Santana.

Schon was born at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. His father was an accomplished musician, arranger, and composer who played and taught reed instruments while his mother was a big band singer. Schon was a guitar prodigy, who first picked up the guitar at the age of 5 and at the tender age of 15 joined Santana.

Schon is without a doubt one of the most soulful guitarists and the selections below illustrate both his rocking and soft sides. His leads are some of the most tasteful ever played by a rock guitarist. Journey’s recordings sometimes lull the listener into thinking he’s just a filler for the vocalist, but if you ever saw them in concert you know Neil is one heck of a guitarist.

The Calling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVvWxiP4_xs

Prayer for Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQBM1QfoJxw

Stone in love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jsjbbGHwnM

Who’s cryin now solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjN3OY94Oqc

I can’t make you love me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyTWz07ALZI

Lights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v6ecBv-woM

Walkin out the door: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvpwSqYqpE&playnext=1&list=PLPeXPYrcEc5x2q0LMt5tnqKVMAlaSDBMB&feature=results_video

Late Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y45h5pBM7L0

Rain’s comin down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNIcNUh40zo

Killing me softly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekE_2E5o3Vg

Everything I do, I do it all for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMrKXeHz-co

No more lies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cfcGGo6ecs

Call of the Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7IK_NeXfcM

Softly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhaJRxXL_2E  

Don’t stop believing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0

Pairing Neil with a wine calls for something powerful, so continuing my search for great but cheap, I recommend the 2010 Chateau St. Jean Signature Red. The wine is made from just about every grape that could go into a red including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Malbec. It’s a very affordable ($9.00 on sale) yet delicious wine. The nose is explosive with aromas of blackberries, strawberries, currents, and spice. It’s a symphony for the palate with big black fruit, cherry, and chocolate notes that seem to go on forever. What ever your favorite red, it’s in this wine and the result is spectacular. And at $9.00 a bottle plus the music of Neil Schon, it makes for a great week end. Enjoy!

Cheers!